Yes, dashcams are legal in Brazil, but their use is subject to strict privacy and data protection laws under the Brazilian Civil Code and the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). Footage must comply with consent requirements for third-party recordings, and improper dissemination risks civil liability or administrative fines up to 2% of a company’s revenue.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Brazil
- Consent for Third Parties: Recording conversations or images of individuals without prior consent violates Article 21 of the Civil Code and LGPD provisions, unless justified by public safety or legal proceedings.
- Data Retention Limits: Dashcam footage must be stored no longer than necessary for its intended purpose (e.g., accident reconstruction), per LGPD’s storage limitation principle (Article 7, §3).
- Public vs. Private Use: Commercial dashcams (e.g., ride-hailing fleets) require explicit driver and passenger disclosures, while personal use faces fewer restrictions but must avoid voyeuristic or discriminatory recordings.
The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) enforces LGPD compliance, with 2026 regulations expected to tighten penalties for unauthorized sharing of dashcam footage. Municipal traffic codes (e.g., São Paulo’s Código de Trânsito Municipal) may impose additional restrictions on obstructing windshields or recording police interactions. Always verify local ordinances before deployment.